About this topic
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are lined up on top of each other. In between the bones there are discs. They act like shock absorbers. The discs have a spongy middle and over time it can dry out. Then, the disc becomes weaker. It may collapse and cause the bones of the spine to become closer together. This is called degenerative disc disease. ‚
When you move, the tissues that are weak may get irritated and cause pain. Sometimes, there is no pain at all when the discs get worn. Only a very small number of people with this problem will need surgery. ‚
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What are the causes?
Wear and tear over time ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
This condition often starts when you are between 20 and 30 years of age. It is more common in the lower back and you are more likely to have problems if you have had a back injury. Other things like being overweight or having a job where you do a lot of lifting and twisting can make you more likely to have this problem. Having others in your family with degenerative disc disease also increases your risk. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Back or neck pain that is worse with movement or when you are in one position for a long time. The pain is better at rest. It may come and go. You may have pain that shoots down into your arms or legs.
- Stiffness
- Numbness or tingling into the arms and legs
- Weakness in the arms and legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and feel around your back or neck. Your doctor may have you move your back or neck and push and pull on your arms or legs to test your motion and strength. Your doctor may check the feeling and reflexes in your arms and legs. This is to check for nerve problems. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray ¢ ˆ ’ this may not be ordered right away because 30% of all x-rays show some sort of degeneration, even in those people without problems
- MRI scan
- Discography ¢ ˆ ’ an x-ray with dye injected into the discs
- Nerve conduction tests
- Test to rule out compression of the nerve. This is an electromyelogram (EMG).
- Lab tests to rule out other causes
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest from activities that make the problem worse
- Ice
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Back or neck brace
- Cane, crutches, or walker if you have trouble walking
- Physical therapy (PT) for treatments to lessen pain and for instruction on exercises to help the problem
- Surgery
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot to help with pain and swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term back pain
- Loss of feeling or movement in the legs, feet, arms, or hands
- Weight gain, less muscle strength and flexibility, weaker bones
- Need for surgery
- Infection
- Loss of bowel and bladder function
- Long-term spinal cord injury. This is rare.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise.
- Heated muscles stretch better than cool muscles. Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise.
- Use good posture.
- Use proper ways to lift and bend:
- Spread your feet apart so you have a good base of support. Then, bend with your knees when you pick up something from the ground.
- When lifting and moving an object, keep your back straight. Keep the object as close to your body as possible. Do not twist. Instead, move your feet to the direction you are going.
- Take breaks often when seated for long periods of time. Get up and walk around from time to time.
- If you stand for long periods, put one leg up on a small stool for a while. Then, change legs.
- If you sleep on your side, put a pillow in between your knees to keep your back and legs in a good position.
- Keep a healthy weight.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00311 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚